Maintain Good Mental Health

Being mentally healthy is not just about not having a mental disorder. A person can live with a mental disorder and still experience emotional well-being resulting in a balanced and satisfying life. The reverse is also true: the absence of a mental disorder is no guarantee of emotional well-being.

Like being in good physical health, being in good mental health makes you feel good about yourself. It also allows you to fully enjoy the joys of life, to flourish and to try new things.

Maintaining good mental health is also one of the best ways to prepare for life's difficult times, whether personally or professionally.

Basis of good mental health: balance

To maintain good mental health, it is recommended to establish a certain balance between the various aspects of one's life, that is to say the aspects:

• social;
• physical;
• mental;
• economic;
• witty;
• emotional.

The periods of life (education, career path, family life, etc.), the difficulties and challenges encountered sometimes tip the scales one way or the other. It may then be relevant to ask yourself about the changes to be made in order to promote the maintenance of your mental health.

Factors that influence mental health

Several factors influence a person's mental health:

• biological and genetic characteristics, for example heredity;
• other personal characteristics, such as lifestyle habits and behaviours, level of self-esteem or childhood experiences;
• the social environment, such as relationships with family, friends and community;
• the living environment, for example the place of residence or accommodation, the family environment;
• the work environment, for example working conditions, psychosocial factors (possibility of making decisions related to one's tasks, relationships with colleagues, recognition of expertise and skills, etc.), safety of the premises;
• the economic context, for example the cost of consumer goods to meet basic needs, the unemployment rate and the distribution of wealth in society.

It is impossible to act on certain factors, such as heredity or certain events that have occurred in the past. However, you can change your habits and behaviors and take certain steps to maintain good mental health.

Steps to Take to Maintain Good Mental Health

Adopt good lifestyle habits

• Take the time to eat well.
• Make sure you get enough sleep.
• Move or exercise every day.
• Do activities that promote relaxation and well-being (yoga, meditation and breathing exercises, creative or artistic activities).
• Reduce your consumption of stimulants (coffee, tea, soft or energy drinks, chocolate).
• Cut down or completely quit your use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

Maintain your social network

• Maintain positive relationships with those around you: family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.
• Participate regularly in leisure activities that you enjoy and find time to indulge in them.
• Avoid staying alone or isolating yourself if you are going through a difficult situation, such as bereavement or job loss. Contact a loved one, a trusted person or a resource who can listen, support or help you.

Help and resources

To find information and support resources, or to obtain care or services for you or a loved one, see the Mental Health Help and Support Resources page .